GPS trackers have been utilized by Co-op to combat theft, with a recent social media post revealing their use on a package of Co-op Irresistible Cumberland sausages in a store in Sussex. These sausages, priced at £3.90, were secured in a perspex box.
A spokesperson from Co-op stated that they are investing significantly in various safety and security measures, such as advanced CCTV, body-worn cameras, fortified kiosks, security cases, and both covert and non-covert guarding. These efforts, coupled with partnerships with local law enforcement and increased police presence, have led to a more than 20% reduction in retail crime levels at Co-op last year, a trend that is continuing into 2026.
In response to a surge in theft incidents, supermarkets in the UK have been enhancing security measures. These include locking display cabinets and implementing receipt-scanning gates at exit points to deter theft. According to the British Retail Consortium (BRC), there were 5.5 million recorded theft incidents last year, resulting in nearly £400 million in losses for retailers.
BRC data also revealed a 20% decrease in violence and abuse against retail workers in 2025, although it remained at the second-highest level on record. Incidents of physical violence against retail staff, averaging 118 per day, and those involving weapons, at 36 per day, remained relatively stable compared to the previous year.
While the overall number of incidents decreased from 2,000 to 1,600 per day, the BRC emphasized that the levels are still unacceptably high, far surpassing the pre-pandemic average of 455 incidents per day.
Recently, the Crime and Policing Bill received Royal Assent, eliminating the £200 threshold for lower-value theft incidents, categorizing all shoplifting as “general theft” and standard criminal offenses.
Helen Dickinson, the chief executive of BRC, highlighted the ongoing challenges, stating that violence in the retail sector remains a significant concern. She emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between retailers, law enforcement, and the government to address theft issues, particularly those linked to organized criminal groups targeting stores for substantial thefts.
